How is this compared to the mini-pulse? is it exactly the same just larger?

Yes it is basically the same, just larger.
As for flying, the mini depending on your setup, can be a bit "twitchy" at times. The 25 is a much more solid flying plane. IMHO
Overall, I prefer the larger plane.......

I had the Mini-Pulse with a Park 450, and now I have the Pulse 25e with a Power 32. The pulse 25e is a better flyer than the mini-pulse. It handles the wind a lot better. The Pulse 25e fly’s very well with the Power 32. The performance is very good. It is one of my favorite planes. I also have a Pulse 40 with a OS .46 AX that I fly on a regular basis. The Pulse is a good design for a sport plane.